Taking Your Pet on Vacation Can ADD To Your Travel Adventure!

In return for companionship and fun, your pet will require much of your time, just as he does at home. In fact, if you elect to include him, your pet will probably be a major focus of your trip. Days must be planned keeping the pet's needs in mind. Often, this means you aren't as free to spend leisurely hours shopping or dining. Instead, you might consider hiring a pet-sitter or finding a good kennel. Sending your dog to a doggie camp or taking a dog sitter along on your trip are other options. If you are planning a "get-away-from-it-all" sort of trip, having your pet in tow may not be a good idea.

While the number of travelers accompanied by animals is growing, some hotels are still cautious to put out the welcome mat. In some areas of the country, finding decent accommodations that accept you and your pet can be a daunting task. Be prepared to spend extra time making travel plans.

Most important, if you don't think your pet will enjoy traveling, it is unfair to both your pet and yourself to make him do so. While most pets do have a remarkable ability to adapt to new situations, those that don't can become highly stressed and in some cases even ill.

Is Your Pet Travel-Ready?

The best candidates for travel are pets that are even-tempered, well behaved, sociable, and in good health. If your pet is anxious, aggressive, or likely to be highly stressed, it is probably in his best interest to make alternative plans, such as finding a place for him to board or having a pet-sitter stay in your home.

Consider Taking Lassie Along if She's...

• Calm
• Well-behaved
• Friendly
• Enjoys new experiences

Leave Her at Home if She's...

• Anxious
• Noisy or boisterous
• Not house-trained
• Unfriendly
• Fearful

Packing for your pet

Thoughtful packing on your pet's behalf will help you be prepared for anything that comes up in the course of you and your friend's journey. Below is a list of things that you might want to have on hand.

Bedding.
Depending on your animal's preferences, pack a bed, blanket, or carpet sample.

Bell.
Attach a bell to your pet's collar. This is a great backup safety measure if your pet gets loose in the woods.

Current photo.
Taking every imaginable precaution doesn't guarantee your pet won't get lost on your trip. As a safety measure, be sure to have some current photos and a description of your pet in case you need to put up signs.

Flashlight.
You might need one for emergencies -- or just for nighttime walks).

Leash, etc.
Take a leash and collar or harness with ID tags (an extra set is advisable).

Minifan.
A clip-on minifan can come in handy in the hotel room or the car.

Records.
Have a copy of your pet's health and vaccination records.

Toys.
Sterilized hollow white bones or Kong toys can be stuffed with meat, cheese, kibble, or peanut butter (good for dogs and cats).